Oklahoma State QB Lunt decides to transfer

Updated 6:39 pm, Thursday, May 9, 2013

Photo: Sue Ogrocki, Associated Press

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In this April 21, 2012, file photo, Oklahoma State quarterback Wes Lunt, center, throw under pressure from defenders Davidell Collins (98) and Tyler Johnson (40) during a spring NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla. A firm foundation has been laid by coach Mike Gundy, but this is a retooling year. It starts at quarterback, where freshman Wes Lunt takes over for departed first-round NFL draft pick Brandon Weeden. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

In this April 21, 2012, file photo, Oklahoma State quarterback Wes Lunt, center, throw under pressure from defenders Davidell Collins (98) and Tyler Johnson (40) during a spring NCAA college football game in

Oklahoma State quarterbacks J.W. Walsh (4), Wes Lunt (11) and Dax Garman (12) warm up before the start of the Oklahoma State spring NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Oklahoma State quarterbacks J.W. Walsh (4), Wes Lunt (11) and Dax Garman (12) warm up before the start of the Oklahoma State spring NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, April 20, 2013. (AP

Oklahoma State's ballyhooed quarterback race has been winnowed by a contender after sophomore Wes Lunt announced that he will be leaving the Cowboys' program.

OSU coach Mike Gundy said he understood the departure of Lunt, who started five games for the Cowboys last season as a freshman.

"We appreciate Wes and we thank him for everything he has done," Gundy said. "He's leaving on good terms and is making this decision based on what he thinks is best for his future."

Lunt was OSU's first true freshman opening-day starter at quarterback since at least 1950, according to the school. Injuries derailed his season, but he still finished with 81 completions in 131 attempts for 1,108 yards with six touchdowns and seven interceptions.

"This was not a decision I took lightly, but it is a decision that I felt was right for me," Lunt said. "I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the entire Oklahoma State University community. Specifically, I would like to thank the coaches, players, and the whole OSU football family. I wish the Cowboys the best of luck in the future."

Lunt said he did not have a transfer destination set at this time. He should be a highly-regarded prospect for another school.

He was involved in a tight battle for quarterback with fifth-year senior Clint Chelf and J.W. Walsh. All three of them passed for at least six touchdowns last season, making Big 12 history for the first team with at least three quarterbacks achieving that feat.

Lunt was considered as the long-term quarterback prospect for the Cowboys and the contender among the trio with the strongest arm, so from that aspect it's a little surprising. At worst, he would have been a situationall player and may have contended for the starting job for the Cowboys' Aug. 31 opener against Mississippi State in Houston with a big fall camp.

But the native of Rochester, Ill., was a particular favorite of former OSU offensive coordinator Todd Monken, an Illinois native who left the program after last season to become Southern Mississippi's new coach.

It's undetermined what Lunt's relationship with new coordinator Mike Yurcich had been.

It means that Gundy's depth at the position isn't what it was at the end of spring practice.

But the Cowboys still are in good shape, compared to most of the rest of the Big 12.